JP4871794B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for printing an electronic document, and the like, which relates to a printing apparatus for printing the electronic document and embedding information about the electronic document.

  2. Description of the Related Art A system is known that embeds and prints a machine-recognizable code (embedded code) in a printed image when printing an electronic document created using an application program. For example, this system receives additional information (hereinafter referred to as embedding information) related to an electronic document, converts the embedding information into an embedding code, and then prints the embedding code on a sheet together with the electronic document instructed to be printed. Output. When copying this sheet, the embedded code is detected by reading and scanning the sheet with a scanner, the embedded information is obtained from the detected embedded code, and printing processing is performed according to the embedded information.

  On the other hand, a technique for performing an embedding process according to print setting information is also known. For example, in Patent Document 1, even when N-up printing is specified and the print image is reduced, the print size of the embedded code is made constant regardless of the reduction rate of the print image. A technique for preventing erroneous recognition of reading processing is disclosed. Here, N-up printing is a function for reducing and printing a plurality of pages of documents on a single sheet in order to reduce printing costs and filing space.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-3390

  In the printing system described above, it is desired to optimize the embedded information in order to realize the processing for generating the embedded code at the time of printing and the speed of the scanning / recognition processing by the scanner after printing. However, in the case of the prior art, an embedded code is generated from embedded information for each page during N-up printing. For this reason, the conventional techniques have the following problems.

  Even if there is information common to the pages, the embedding code is individually generated for each page, so that the information common to the pages is repeatedly embedded in each page.

  Since the embedded codes for N pages are generated, the control information used for managing the embedded information becomes redundant.

  Therefore, the present invention optimizes embedding information by integrating the embedding information of each page into one during N-up printing, thereby embedding processing of embedding information and embedding information. An object of the present invention is to realize high-speed and efficient reading processing.

Printing apparatus of the present invention is a printing apparatus for generating data for printing N pages of the print data on a sheet, is associated with each page in the print data, N- It means for obtaining the embedded information containing up designation, analyzes the acquired respective embedded information, and means for determining whether N is 2 or more in the N-up designation, the N-up designation When N is determined to be 2 or more, a means for integrating embedding information associated with each of the N pages printed on the one sheet and a period over the entire print area of the sheet A plurality of second regions arranged side by side and a plurality of first regions periodically arranged in the second region, and an intersection of virtual lattices in each of the first and second regions The position of the dot placed off Therefore, in the code image in which information is encoded, the information embedded in the first area is information that must be extracted in real time at the time of copying, and the information embedded in the second area is in real time at the time of copying. It is information that does not need to be extracted, and the amount of information embedded in the first region is smaller than the amount of information embedded in the second region, and a code image is generated using the integrated embedded information means for, said N pages to data to be printed on one sheet, characterized in that it comprises a means for combining the generated the code image.

Printing method of the present invention is a printing method of generating data for printing N pages of the print data on a sheet, is associated with each page in the print data, N- analyzes acquiring the embedded information containing up designation, the obtained each embedded information, comprising the steps of: determining whether N is 2 or more in the N-up designation, the N-up designation If N is determined to be 2 or more, the step of integrating the embedding information associated with each of the N pages printed on the one sheet, and the period over the entire printing area of the sheet A plurality of second regions arranged side by side and a plurality of first regions periodically arranged in the second region, and an intersection of virtual lattices in each of the first and second regions Placed away from The information is encoded according to the position of the clip, and the information embedded in the first area is information that must be extracted in real time at the time of copying, and the information embedded in the second area is not extracted in real-time copying is also good information, the amount of information embedded in the first region is less than the amount of information to be embedded in the second region, the embedded information of the code image, which is the integrated and generating by using, said N pages to data to be printed on one sheet, characterized in that it comprises a step of combining the generated the code image.

  The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention records a program that causes a computer to execute the above method.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above method.

  According to the present invention, efficient processing can be realized in both embedding / reading of embedded information, and excellent effects can be obtained in terms of performance. This is because in the present invention, the embedded information is optimized by integrating the embedded information of each page into one.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of printing system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system to which the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, 111 and 112 are client PCs, 121 is a print server, and 131 and 132 are printing apparatuses having a copy function and a printer function. These devices are connected to each other via a LAN 101 and communicate with each other via the LAN 101.

  The client PC 111 or 112 receives an instruction from the user, generates print data, and transmits the print data to the print server 121.

  The print server 121 transmits the received print data to the printing apparatus 131 or 132.

  The printing device 131 or 132 converts the received print data into a print image and prints it on paper. The printing device 131 or 132 generates data for printing N pages of the print data on one sheet when N-up is designated for the print data.

  The above configuration is an example, and a configuration not including the print server 121 may be used. In that case, the client PC 111 or 112 directly transmits print data to the printing apparatus 131 or 132.

(Embedding information embedding printing process)
With reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the embedding information embedding printing process at the time of N-up printing will be described.

  In the embedded information printing process, there are a method in which the client PC generates a background image for print output and a method in which the printing apparatus generates. The former method will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and the latter method will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 2 and 4 are block diagrams showing the logical configuration of the client PC and the printing apparatus, and do not show the physical configuration of these apparatuses.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when the client PC generates a background image for print output.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 111 denotes a client PC, and 131 denotes a printing apparatus.

  First, processing contents of the client PC 111 will be described.

  When the user operates the client PC 111 to give a print instruction, the print data generation unit 201 is activated. The print data generation unit 201 is a print subsystem in which a printer driver and an OS cooperate. The print data generation unit 201 generates print data that is a set of drawing commands for the printing apparatus 131 (for example, PDL (Page Description Language)) from an electronic document instructed to be printed by the user.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the print data is composed of data of a plurality of pages. In this embodiment, the print data generation unit 201 generates print data so that the data of each page in the print data has a one-to-one correspondence with each page in the electronic document. The print data generation unit 201 also generates embedded information. In this embodiment, as will be described below, the print data generation unit 201 generates embedded information. That is, the print data generation unit 201 first extracts information such as location information of an electronic document to be printed, print setting information (N-up designation / resolution / enlargement / reduction, etc.), security information, search information, and the like from the PDL as extraction information. To do. In this embodiment, since this extraction information is extracted as many times as the number of pages constituting the print data, it is divided into a plurality of data. More precisely, the extraction information is extracted from the print data so as to have a one-to-one correspondence with each page constituting the print data. Next, the print data generation unit 201 generates embedded information based on the extracted information. This embedded information is also divided into data as many as the number of pages constituting the print data, like the extracted information. That is, each embedding information is associated with each page in the print data.

  Next, the print data generation unit 201 outputs the generated print data (multiple pages of data) and embedded information (the embedded information is divided into a plurality of data) to the embedded information control unit 202.

  The embedded information control unit 202 receives print data and embedded information from the print data generation unit 201. Next, the embedding information control unit 202 outputs the embedding information to the embedding information merging unit 203, and further outputs the print data and the embedding information to the print data merging unit 207.

  Hereinafter, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of data in the embedded information is referred to as first embedded information. Each of a plurality of data in the print data is referred to as first print data. Each of a plurality of data in the extraction information is referred to as first extraction information.

  The print data merging unit 207 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedded information, and determines whether or not to perform print data (first print data) integration processing for each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the first print data integration process for each page is performed. When N is 1, the first print data integration process for each page is performed. It is determined not to perform.

  The embedded information merging means 203 performs integration processing of a plurality of data (a plurality of first embedded information) in the embedded information. The integration processing is integration of embedding information associated with each of N pages printed on one sheet when it is analyzed that N-up designation is performed. In the present embodiment, the embedded information merging means 203 performs the following processing.

  The embedding information merging unit 203 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether or not to perform the integration processing of the first embedding information of each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the first embedding information corresponding to each page is integrated, and when N is 1, the first corresponding to each page is determined. It is determined that embedded information integration processing is not performed. When it is determined that the integration process is to be performed, the embedded information merging unit 203 optimizes the first embedded information by integrating the first embedded information of each page. In this embodiment, the result of integrating the first embedded information is referred to as second embedded information. Next, the embedding information merging unit 203 outputs the second embedding information to the embedding information control unit 202. On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the integration process, the embedded information merging unit 203 outputs the first embedded information to the embedded information control unit 202 without integrating the first embedded information. Details of these processes will be described later.

  The embedding information control unit 202 outputs the second embedding information received from the embedding information merging unit 203 to the background image data generating unit 204.

  The background image data generation unit 204 generates background image data using the second embedded information received from the embedded information control unit 202. Specifically, the background image data generation unit 204 performs the following processing.

  The background image data generation unit 204 generates background image data based on the second embedding information received from the embedding information control unit 202. The background image data is generated using, for example, LVBC (Low Visibility Barcode). Details of the LVBC will be described later. Next, the background image data generation unit 204 outputs the generated background image data to the embedded information control unit 202.

  The background image data synthesizing unit 205 receives from the embedding information control unit 202 each of the first print data and background image data corresponding to each of the first print data. Next, the background image data synthesizing unit 205 synthesizes the received first print data and the background image data corresponding to each of the received first print data to generate synthesized print data. The background image data synthesizing unit 205 does not need to actually synthesize, but generates data for causing the printing apparatus to synthesize each of the first print data and the background image data corresponding to each of the first print data. Also good. In such a case, the data that may be generated is composite print data. It includes a print command for putting background image data in the data (first print data) of each page of the print data. The background image data synthesizing unit 205 outputs the generated synthesized print data to the embedding information control unit 202.

  The embedding information control unit 202 outputs the received composite print data to the print data generation unit 201.

  The print data generation unit 201 outputs the composite print data received from the embedded information control unit 202 to the print server 121 (not shown) and the printing device 131 or 132.

  Next, processing contents of the printing apparatus 131 will be described.

  The printing apparatus 131 includes a print image generation unit 206. The print image generation unit 206 includes a data receiving unit (not shown), and receives data from the LAN by controlling the network interface. When receiving data from the client PC 111 or from another node on the LAN, the data receiving unit outputs the received data to an appropriate subsystem according to the type of the data. For example, when the communication method is TCP / IP, the data type is generally identified by the port number. In the present embodiment, the received data is composite print data including a print command for the printing apparatus 131.

  The print image generation unit 206 extracts a drawing command (PDL) from the composite print data received by the data receiving unit, interprets it, and generates intermediate data used internally by the printing apparatus 131. The printing device 131 controls the RIP, converts the intermediate data into a print image, and prints it on paper.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the embedded printing process in the configuration shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 301, the print data generation unit 201 generates first print data and first embedding information, and outputs the generated first print data and first embedding information to the embedding information control unit 202. To do. Next, the embedding information control unit 202 outputs the embedding information to the embedding information merging unit 203, and further outputs the first print data and the first embedding information to the print data merging unit 207.

  In step S302, the print data merging unit 207 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether to perform the first print data integration process for each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the first print data integration process for each page is performed. When N is 1, the first print data integration process for each page is performed. It is determined not to perform.

  In step S303, the embedding information merging unit 203 optimizes the first embedding information by integrating the plurality of first embedding information, and generates second embedding information. The embedded information merging means 203 outputs the generated second embedded information to the embedded information control means 202. Next, the embedding information control unit 202 outputs the second embedding information to the background image data generation unit 204.

  In step S <b> 304, the background image data generation unit 204 generates background image data using the second embedding information received from the embedding information control unit 202, and outputs the generated background image data to the embedding information control unit 202. To do.

  In step S <b> 305, the background image data synthesis unit 205 receives from the embedding information control unit 202 each of the first print data and background image data corresponding to each of the first print data. Next, the background image data synthesizing unit 205 synthesizes the received first print data and the background image data corresponding to each of the received first print data to generate synthesized print data. Next, the background image data combining unit 205 outputs the generated combined print data to the embedded information control unit 202.

  In step S <b> 306, the embedded information control unit 202 outputs the received composite print data to the print server 121 and the printing apparatus 131 or 132.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when the printing apparatus generates a background image for print output.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 111 denotes a client PC, and 131 denotes a printing apparatus.

  First, processing contents of the client PC 111 will be described.

  When the user operates the client PC 111 to give a print instruction, the print data generation unit 401 is activated. A print data generation unit 401 is a print subsystem in which a printer driver and an OS cooperate. The print data generation unit 401 generates first print data, which is a set of drawing commands (for example, PDL) for the printing apparatus 131, from an electronic document instructed to be printed by the user. At this time, the print data generation unit 401 also generates the first embedded information. For example, the print data generation unit 401 extracts, from the PDL, parameters of embedded information including location information of an electronic document to be printed, print setting information (N-up designation / resolution / enlargement / reduction, etc.), security information, search information, and the like. . Next, the print data generation unit 401 generates first embedding information based on the extracted parameters of the embedding information. Next, the print data generation unit 401 outputs the generated first print data and the first embedded information to the printing device 131 or 132 and the print server 121 (not shown).

  Next, processing contents of the printing apparatus 131 will be described.

  The print image generation unit 402 includes a data receiving unit (not shown), and receives data from the LAN by controlling the network interface. When receiving data from the client PC 111 or from another node on the LAN, the data receiving unit outputs the received data to an appropriate subsystem depending on the type of the data. For example, when the communication method is TCP / IP, the data type is generally identified by the port number. In the present embodiment, the received data includes first print data (PDL) including a print command for the printing apparatus 131 and first embedded information. The print image generating unit 402 extracts the first embedded information and the first print data from the data received by the data receiving unit, interprets the first print data, and the printing apparatus 131 internally Generate intermediate data to use. Then, the printing apparatus 131 converts the intermediate data into a first print image by controlling the RIP.

  The print image generation unit 402 outputs the first print image and the first embedded information to the embedded information control unit 403.

  The embedding information control unit 403 receives the first print image and the first embedding information from the print image generation unit 402. Next, the embedding information control unit 403 outputs the first embedding information to the embedding information merging unit 404, and further outputs the first print image and the first embedding information to the print image merging unit 407. To do.

  The print image merging unit 407 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether or not to perform the print image (first print image) integration processing for each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the integration process of the first print image of each page is performed. When N is 1, the integration process of the first print image of each page is performed. It is determined not to perform.

  The embedded information merging means 404 performs an integration process of a plurality of data (a plurality of first embedded information) in the embedded information. Specifically, the embedded information merging means 404 performs the following processing.

  The embedding information merging unit 404 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether or not to perform the integration processing of the first embedding information of each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the integration processing of the first embedded information corresponding to each page is performed. When N is 1, the first processing corresponding to each page is performed. It is determined that embedded information integration processing is not performed. If it is determined that the integration process is to be performed, the embedded information merging unit 404 optimizes the first embedded information by integrating the first embedded information of each page, and generates second embedded information. Next, the embedded information merging means 404 outputs the second embedded information to the embedded information control means 403. On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the integration process, the embedded information merging unit 404 outputs the first embedded information to the embedded information control unit 403 as it is without integrating the first embedded information. Details of these processes will be described later.

  The embedded information control unit 403 outputs the second embedded information received from the embedded information merging unit 404 to the background image data generating unit 405.

  The background image data generation unit 405 generates a background image using the second embedded information received from the embedded information control unit 403. Specifically, the background image data generation unit 405 performs the following processing.

  The background image data generation unit 405 generates a background image using the second embedded information received from the embedded information control unit 403. The background image is generated using, for example, LVBC. Details of the LVBC will be described later. Next, the background image data generation unit 405 outputs the generated background image to the embedded information control unit 403.

  The background image data synthesizing unit 406 receives from the embedding information control unit 403 each of the first print images and a background image corresponding to each of the first print images. Next, the background image data synthesizing unit 406 synthesizes the background images corresponding to each of the received first print images and each of the first print images to generate a composite print image. Note that the background image data synthesizing unit 406 does not need to actually synthesize, and generates data for causing the printing apparatus 131 to synthesize each of the first print images and the background image corresponding to each of the first print images. May be. In such a case, the data that may be generated is composite print data. The background image data synthesizing unit 405 outputs the generated synthesized print data to the embedded information control unit 403.

  The embedding information control unit 403 outputs the received composite print image to the print image generation unit 402.

  The print image generation unit 402 prints the composite print image received from the embedded information control unit 403 on paper.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the embedded printing process in the configuration shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 501, the print data generation unit 401 generates first print data and first embedding information, and outputs the generated first print data and first embedding information to the print image generation unit 402. . The print image generation unit 402 extracts the first embedded information and the first print data from the received data, interprets the first print data, and generates intermediate data used internally by the printing apparatus 131. The intermediate data is generated and converted into a first print image. The print image generation unit 402 outputs the first print image and the first embedded information to the embedded information control unit 403.

  The embedding information control unit 403 receives the first print image and the first embedding information from the print image generation unit 402. Next, the embedding information control unit 403 outputs the first embedding information to the embedding information merging unit 404, and further outputs the first print image and the first embedding information to the print image merging unit 407. To do.

  In step S <b> 502, the print image merging unit 407 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether to perform the first print image integration process for each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the first print image integration process for each page is performed. When N is 1, the first print image integration process for each page is performed. It is determined not to perform.

  In step S503, the embedding information merging unit 404 analyzes the N-up designation included in the received first embedding information, and determines whether or not to perform the integration processing of the first embedding information of each page. Specifically, when N is 2 or more, it is determined that the first embedding information corresponding to each page is integrated, and when N is 1, the first corresponding to each page is determined. It is determined that embedded information integration processing is not performed. If it is determined that the integration process is to be performed, the embedded information merging unit 404 optimizes the first embedded information by integrating the first embedded information of each page, and generates second embedded information. Next, the embedding information merging unit 404 outputs the second embedding information to the background image data generating unit 405.

  In step S <b> 504, the background image data generation unit 405 generates a background image using the second embedded information received from the embedded information control unit 403, and outputs the generated background image to the embedded information control unit 403.

  In step S <b> 505, the background image data synthesis unit 406 receives from the embedding information control unit 403 each of the first print images and a background image corresponding to each of the first print images. Next, the background image data synthesizing unit 406 synthesizes each of the received first print images and the background image corresponding to each of the received first print images to generate synthesized print data. The background image data synthesizing unit 406 does not need to actually synthesize, and generates data for causing the printing apparatus 131 to synthesize each of the first print images and the background image corresponding to each of the first print images. Also good. In such a case, the data that may be generated is composite print data. Next, the background image data synthesizing unit 406 outputs the generated synthesized print image to the embedded information control unit 403.

  In step S <b> 506, the embedded information control unit 403 outputs the received composite print image to the print server 121 and the printing apparatus 131.

(Embedded information integration process)
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the embedding information integration processing by the embedding information merging means 203 and 404 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing specific contents of the embedded information.

  Reference numerals 601 and 611 denote first embedding information of each page, and reference numeral 621 denotes embedding information subjected to integration processing, that is, second embedding information.

  As described above, the first embedding information is information generated by the print data generation means 201 and 401 based on information extracted from the PDL. In this example, the first embedding information is generated based on the parameters of the first embedding information extracted from the PDL, but the first embedding information may be generated using other methods.

  Reference numerals 602 to 605 and 612 to 615 are parameters of the first embedding information. This parameter is embedded as first embedding information in each page. Reference numerals 631 and 632 denote header information, which indicate page numbers in this example.

  Reference numeral 621 denotes second embedded information newly generated by extracting common items of the information 601 and 611. That is, 621 is second embedded information in which the first embedded information 601 on the first page and the first embedded information 611 on the second page are integrated.

  Reference numerals 622 to 626 in the second embedding information 621 are parameters of the first embedding information subjected to the integration process. 622 to 624 are parameters common to each page. 625 and 626 are parameters specific to each page. Reference numerals 633, 634, and 635 denote header information. 633 indicates that 622 to 624 are parameters common to the pages. Reference numerals 634 and 635 denote page numbers.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (merging processing) for generating the second embedded information by integrating the first embedded information.

  The embedding information merging means 203 and 404 analyze the value of each parameter of the first embedding information of each page for which N-up designation is performed, and based on the analysis result, the first embedding common to each page The information is integrated to generate second embedded information.

  In step S <b> 701, the embedded information merging units 203 and 404 obtain parameters of unprocessed items that have not been integrated. Here, the embedding information merging means 203 and 404 acquires all parameters of the page that is designated N-up and printed on the same page.

  In step S <b> 702, the embedded information merging units 203 and 404 determine whether the parameter values of the unprocessed items on the M page ((1 ≦ M ≦ N) are the same. For example, the items are “602” and “612”. Document information (URL) ”,“ Print control information ”in 603 and 613,“ Security ”in 604 and 614,“ Search information ”in 605 and 615, etc. The embedded information merging means 203 and 404 have the same items. If the parameters are different as a result of the comparison, the process proceeds to S703, and if the parameters are the same, the process proceeds to S704.

  In step S <b> 703, the embedded information merging units 203 and 404 generate second embedded information for each page. Specifically, the embedding information merging means 203 and 404 integrate parameters different for each page indicated by 605 and 615 as second embedding information unique to the page as indicated by 625 and 626.

  In S704, the embedding information merging means 203, 404 generates second embedding information common to the pages. Specifically, the embedding information merging means 203 and 404 integrate the first embedding information common to all the pages to be N-up processed, such as 602 and 612, 603 and 613, and 604 and 614, to integrate the first embedding information. 2 embedded information is generated.

  In S705, the embedding information merging means 203, 404 determines whether integration has been completed for all items regarding the first embedding information. By repeating the processes of S701 to S705, the items of all pages to be N-up-processed are integrated, and the second embedded information is generated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of first embedded information associated with each of a plurality of logical pages are integrated into one on one physical page (a page to be printed on one sheet), A process of generating the second embedded information is performed. Therefore, in the case of 2-up processing, the first embedding information related to two logical pages is integrated and printed as second embedding information on one physical page.

(Embedded information extraction processing and copy processing according to the extracted embedded information)
The embedding information extraction process and the copying process based on the extracted embedding information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printing apparatus 131 that performs a copy process on a sheet of paper in which embedded information is embedded.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of copy processing in the configuration shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 901, upon receiving a copy processing instruction from the operation unit 811, the copy processing control unit 801 acquires a print image and embedding information from the scanner image processing unit 812. The print image is an image obtained by removing the background image. The scanner image processing unit 812 acquires a print image and embedding information from a paper surface using a known scanning technique and an LVBC technique described later.

  In step S902, the copy processing control unit 801 outputs the acquired print image and embedded information to the print image generating unit 402, and performs the embedded information embedded printing process as described with reference to FIGS. Do.

  The configuration and operation of the print image generation unit 402, the embedded information control unit 403, the embedded information merge unit 404, the background image data generation unit 405, the background image data synthesis unit 406, and the print image merge unit 407 are shown in FIGS. Since the processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in the case of performing electronic copy processing of a paper surface in which embedded information is embedded.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic copy processing in the configuration shown in FIG.

  In step S1101, upon receiving an instruction for electronic copy processing from the operation unit 811, the copy processing control unit 1001 acquires embedded information from the scanner image processing unit 812 (S1101). The scanner image processing unit 812 extracts embedded information from the paper surface using a known scanning technique and an LVBC technique described later.

  In step S1102, the copy processing control unit 1001 acquires document image information from the extracted embedded information, and outputs the document image information to the document image information acquisition unit 1002. The document image information acquisition unit 1002 outputs the document information to the copy processing control unit 1001. Document information is, for example, a URL indicating the location of an electronic document. The document image information is, for example, an open format or bitmap that is application information.

  In step S1103, the copy processing control unit 1001 outputs the received document information and embedded information to the print image generating unit 402, and performs the embedded information embedded printing process as described with reference to FIGS. Do.

  The configuration and operation of the print image generation unit 402, the embedded information control unit 403, the embedded information merge unit 404, the background image data generation unit 405, the background image data synthesis unit 406, and the print image merge unit 407 are shown in FIGS. Since the processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

<About LVBC>
Next, as an example of an information embedding technique, a technique using LVBC (Low Visibility Barcodes) will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus prints desired additional information (hereinafter referred to as embedded information) together with a document image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP sheet.

The requirements for information embedding are generally as follows.
-Embedding information with a sufficient amount of information can be embedded in the sheet.
-The embedded information embedded in the sheet using color materials (toner, ink, etc.) can be reliably extracted later as digital information.
When copying a document image on a sheet, it is resistant to factors that hinder the extraction of embedded information (rotation, enlargement, reduction, partial deletion, signal dullness due to copying, dirt, etc.).
In order to prevent copying of a document in which embedded information indicating copy prohibition is embedded, it is possible to extract embedded information at the time of copying or at a speed equivalent thereto.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a document in which LVBC is embedded.

  Reference numeral 1201 denotes the entire sheet, and 1202 denotes an enlarged view of 1201. Referring to 1202, a large number of dots (1203) are printed on the sheet in addition to the image originally drawn on the document. In an information embedding technique using LVBC, embedding information is embedded in a sheet through these dots.

(Two areas where embedded information is embedded)
Next, the area where the embedded information is embedded will be described. The area is divided into a first area and a second area.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating characteristics of embedded information embedded in the first region and the second region.

  Embedded information is classified into two types of embedded information having different characteristics. Each embedding information is separately embedded in the first area and the second area so that they can be extracted individually.

  In the first area, information that must be extracted in real time during a copying operation by normal scanning, such as location information of an electronic document to be printed, information on printing parameters (N-up / resolution / enlargement / reduction, etc.), security information, and the like. Is embedded. Since the process of extracting the embedded information embedded in the first area is always performed, the delay in extracting the embedded information affects the entire copying speed. Accordingly, the speed for analyzing the embedded information is required to be approximately the same as the scan speed, for example. On the other hand, since the amount of these pieces of information may be small, the data size can be small.

  Search information is embedded in the second area. The search information is, for example, coordinate information or keywords of objects in the page, and is used when searching for objects. Since search information is not used during normal copying, extraction of search information does not affect the copying speed. Since the search information is not necessarily extracted in real time, the analysis speed of the search information may be relatively low. Therefore, a large amount of information can be included in the search information.

  In the LVBC of the present embodiment, the embedded information is embedded in a region where the first region and the second region are mixed in order to cope with embedded information having different characteristics. In the present embodiment, it is selected according to the use whether the embedded information is extracted from only the first region, extracted from only the second region, or extracted from both regions. When extracting the embedded information from only the first region, the analysis speed is improved, and the extraction process is performed at a speed that does not affect the productivity of the copying operation.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first region and the second region.

  A square area 1401 indicates the first area. A plurality of the same square areas are periodically arranged, but the same embedding information is stored in any area. Thus, by embedding the same embedding information in a plurality of first regions, the redundancy of the embedding information increases, and as a result, the resistance of the embedding information to noise and errors is enhanced. 1403 indicates the size of the first area, and 1404 indicates the repetition period of the first area.

  A square 1402 indicates the second region. Similarly to the first region, the second region has a plurality of the same square regions periodically arranged. The two different types of embedding information specified above are exclusively embedded in the first area 1401 and the second area. Reference numeral 1405 denotes the size of the second area.

(LVBC embedding method)
Next, a method for embedding LVBC will be described.

  In the information embedding method using LVBC, a virtual grid is used.

  The embedded information is binary data within a certain size. The embedding information is embedded in the sheet as information by displacing the dots in one of the eight directions (up and down, left and right) from the grid intersection (displaced from the intersection).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a grid and a place where dots are arranged.

  In FIG. 15, vertical and horizontal lines 1501 indicate a grid. Reference numeral 1502 denotes a grid intersection. No dot is placed at the intersection 1502. For example, the dot is arranged at a position away from the intersection 1502 in the lower right direction.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example in which binary data 010111110011 is embedded as embedded information.

  When embedding binary data 010111110011, the binary data is divided into units of 3 bits such as 010, 111, 110, 011. Next, each 3-bit binary-decimal conversion is performed to obtain numerical values of 2, 7, 6, and 3.

  The embedding information is embedded by displacing each dot in any of the eight directions up, down, left, and right from the intersection of the grids according to the numerical value representing the embedding information. For example, when embedding 2, 7, 6, 3 as embedding information, each dot is displaced to the upper right, lower right, lower and left. In FIG. 16, black circles indicate dots. In the information embedding method using LVBC, the embedded information having an information amount of about 2000 bytes can be embedded in the sheet by repeatedly performing the above-described embedding. Furthermore, by embedding these dots representing the embedding information throughout the sheet, the redundancy of the embedding information is increased and the resistance to dirt, wrinkles and partial breakage of the sheet is enhanced.

  In order to analyze the LVBC, it is first necessary to accurately detect the position of the grid. Therefore, it is desirable that the dots representing the embedding information appear with equal probability in eight directions from the grid intersection. However, when embedding many specific numerical values such as 0 as embedding information, there is a possibility that dots representing embedding information do not appear with equal probability at positions in eight directions. Therefore, in the information embedding method using LVBC, scramble processing (for example, common key encryption processing) having reversibility is performed on the embedded information so that the displacement of the dots becomes random.

  The information embedding method using LVBC can be said to be DA conversion in which embedding information as digital data is recorded on a sheet as analog data, and can therefore be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

(LVBC analysis method)
Next, an LVBC analysis method will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embedded information analysis unit 1701 that performs LVBC analysis.

  The dot detection unit 1702 detects an arbitrary dot from an image in which embedding information is embedded (an image in which an original image and embedding information are mixed), and converts the dot into a coordinate position of the dot.

  The dot analysis unit 1703 excludes unnecessary dots such as dots constituting a halftone from the dots detected by the dot detection unit 1702.

  The absolute coordinate list storage unit 1704 stores a list of absolute coordinate positions of dots.

  The dot conversion unit 1705 detects the rotation angle and the grid interval from the list of absolute coordinate positions stored in the absolute coordinate list storage unit 1704, and converts the absolute coordinate position into a relative coordinate position from the grid position.

  The relative coordinate list storage unit 1706 stores relative coordinate positions.

  The first area decoding unit 1707 extracts the embedded information embedded in the first area and outputs it to the subsequent module.

  Second region decoding section 1708 extracts the embedded information embedded in the second region and outputs it to the subsequent module.

  The post-stage module is a functional module that uses embedded information. For example, the embedded information is changed to a background image again to output a composite image, or document information is acquired and reprint processing is performed. It is a module.

(Dot detection)
Processing performed by the dot detection unit 1702 will be described in detail.

  The dot detection unit 1702 receives an image read by the optical scanner in the form of a multi-value monochrome image. On the other hand, in the information embedding method using LVBC, the embedding information is embedded with monochrome binary dots. For this reason, the dot detection unit 1702 receives a signal in a state where the signal is dulled finely due to the influence of the condition of toner at the time of embedding information, the handling of the sheet, the optical system at the time of scanning, and the like. Therefore, in order to eliminate these influences, the dot detection unit 1702 increases the detection accuracy by recognizing the gravity center position of the received dot as the coordinate position.

  FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining dot detection by the dot detection unit 1702.

  The dot detection unit 1702 inspects the gap from four directions on the image to inspect isolated points on the image. Reference numerals 1801 to 1804 denote directions in which the presence / absence of isolated points is inspected. For example, if the inspection result in the vertical line 1801 is “white”, “white”, “black”, “black”, “white”, “white”, the black portion may be an isolated point There is. However, with this inspection alone, it is possible that the isolated point is on a horizontal line. Similarly, even if it is determined that there is a possibility that the isolated point is on the horizontal line based on the inspection result on the horizontal line 1802, there is a possibility that the isolated point is actually on the vertical line. There is also. Therefore, the dot detection unit 1702 improves detection accuracy by inspecting isolated points in the four directions 1801 to 1804. When the above inspection results are obtained in all four directions 1801 to 1804 in a certain area, the black portion is identified as an isolated point.

(Dot analysis)
Processing performed by the dot analysis unit 1703 will be described in detail.

  The dots detected by the dot detection unit 1702 may be dots other than the dots constituting the LVBC. For example, a dot pattern for expressing a halftone included in an original image, an isolated point (such as a hiragana in Hiragana) originally included in an original corresponds to such a dot. Therefore, halftone removal needs to be performed in order to delete isolated points that are not dots constituting the LVBC.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a graph for explaining halftone removal.

  The vertical axis of the graph shows the particle shape of the dots, and the horizontal axis shows the density. In the graph, a histogram representing the dot frequency is shown as the dot density. The darker the dot density (the darker the color), the higher the frequency of dot appearance. In the case of LVBC, since the dots are embedded with the same particle shape and density, the frequency of dot appearance peaks at a narrow position in the graph (1901). On the other hand, in the case of halftone, since the particle shape and density of the dots are not standardized, the dots appear sparsely in a wide position in the graph, and the appearance frequency is relatively low. Therefore, the dot analysis unit 1703 uses this characteristic to determine that a dot having a peak appearance frequency at a narrow position in the graph is LVBC, and excludes other dots. Therefore, the absolute coordinate list storage unit 1704 stores only LVBC.

(Dot conversion)
The processing by the dot conversion unit 1705 will be described in detail.

  Due to the difference in the orientation of the sheet on the scanner and the deviation of the fine sheet angle at the analog level, the angle of the image at the time of scanning differs from the angle of the image in which the LVBC dots are embedded at the time of printing. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the rotation angle of the image and correct the angle. In the case of LVBC, since the information is embedded by displacing the dots constituting the grid in the eight directions, up, down, left, and right, it is necessary to reproduce the original grid. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the original grid interval accurately.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of measuring the grid interval.

  When attention is paid to the dot 2001, the distance X from the dot 2001 to the dot 2002 closest to the dot 2001 is close to the grid interval.

  Although there are four dots close to the dot 2001 on the top, bottom, left, and right, in order to reduce the amount of calculation, only a dot that exists in the range of 90 degrees on the right side of the dot 2001 is set as a candidate for the dot closest to the dot 2001. Specifically, the relationship between the dot of interest (x, y) and any other dot (a, b) is

If so, the dot (a, b) is excluded from the candidates. Then, (a, b) that minimizes the distance between (x, y) and (a, b) is a neighboring dot, and a distance X between two dots is a candidate for a grid interval.

  Here, the noticed dot 2001 and the neighboring dot 2002 are also displaced. In addition, the dot recognized as LVBC may actually be a halftone pattern dot that the dot analysis unit 1703 has left behind. Therefore, the distance between the grids is measured as described above with respect to all the attention dots (x, y), and a histogram showing the frequency according to the distance between the grids for all the attention dots is created.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a histogram indicating the frequency of the distance between grids.

  In FIG. 21, the horizontal axis indicates the distance value that is a candidate for the distance between grids, and the vertical axis indicates the frequency at which the distance is measured at the target dot (x, y). According to the figure, the distance X having the highest frequency is identified as the grid interval. That is, if the appearance probability of the attention dot 2001 and the neighboring dot 2002 is the same in both vertical and horizontal directions, the distance X having the highest frequency can be set as the grid interval from the histogram of a large amount of attention dots.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating correction of the rotation angle of the grid.

  At 2201, the angle of neighboring dots is measured from all the dots.

  Originally, the angle of the neighboring dot to the neighboring dot is any one of 0 degree, 90 degree, 180 degree, and 270 degree. Therefore, the rotation angle can be determined by correcting the deviation of the measured angle. The angle θ between each dot of interest and the neighboring dot is expressed by the following equation, where (dx, dy) is a vector composed of the dot of interest and its neighboring dots.

  Reference numeral 2202 denotes a vector to neighboring points of A, B, C, and D. However, since the target dot and the adjacent dot are actually slightly displaced from the grid position, θ is measured for all the target dots. Assuming that the appearance probability of the displacement position from the respective grids of the attention dot 2201 and the neighboring dots is the same in both vertical and horizontal directions, the rotation angle of the grid can be measured on average by adding the deviations of the angles of all the attention dots. . 2203 displays a vector of several dots, and it can be seen that if this angle is superimposed, it can be approximated to the rotation angle of the grid.

  Specifically, the reference vector is calculated again for θ of each target dot, and the total angle φ is obtained from the total result of all the reference vectors. If the total result of the reference vector is (A, B),

The rotation angle φ of the grid is

It is possible to approximate by

  The grid rotation angle is reversely rotated with respect to the absolute coordinate list stored in the absolute coordinate list storage unit 1704 to correct the grid angle.

  The correction of the rotation angle is narrowed down to a unit of 90 degrees, but actually, it is not narrowed down to four of 0 degree (correct), 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. This narrowing will be described later.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a rotation correction result and a grid position.

  In FIG. 23, reference numeral 2301 denotes an absolute coordinate list of LVBC dots whose rotation has been corrected. Further, as indicated by 2302, virtual straight lines are drawn in the X direction and Y direction at each grid interval obtained by the dot conversion unit 1705, and the intersection of these straight lines is defined as a grid. The displacement of the dot coordinates is measured from the position of this grid.

(Identification of the first area)
Processing for specifying the size 1403 of the first area, the repetition period 1404, and the position of the first area shown in FIG. 14 will be described.

  First, the repetition period 1404 of the first area 1401 is determined. The first area 1401 contains the same data periodically, and if autocorrelation is taken with a predetermined offset in the vertical direction, the autocorrelation increases when the offset value matches the repetition period 1404. The period 1404 can be determined.

  FIG. 24 is a graph showing an example in which an autocorrelation value corresponding to an offset value is calculated.

  Autocorrelation is a technique for evaluating the frequency with which specific embedded data appears periodically, and the autocorrelation value is a numerical value for evaluating the similarity of embedded data at a specific offset value.

  The autocorrelation function COR (A, B) for calculating the autocorrelation value is given by the following arithmetic expression.

COR (A, B) = bitcount (not (A xor B))
Here, xor indicates exclusive OR of two terms, and not indicates negation.

  Bitcount is a function that counts the number of bits that become one.

  For example, when A is 010b and B is 011b, not (A xor B) = not (001b) = 110b, and bitcount is 2.

  Here, the first area is a matrix having a predetermined width and height, and the bit string for evaluating the first area is CELL (x, y). Here, x and y indicate vertical and horizontal coordinates. For example, if the size of the first area is width = 8 and height = 8, the first area with x and y at the upper left is 3 bits x 8 x 8 = 192 bits is the length of the bit string of CELL (x, y) .

  Here, the autocorrelation values of all coordinates at a certain offset are expressed by the following function.

  For example, if the autocorrelation is taken when the size 1403 of the first region is 8 and the repetition period 1404 is 8 × 3 = 24, the offset is 24 and the autocorrelation value is the peak 2401, so the offset = 24 is determined as the repetition period 1404. Is possible.

  Next, the position and size of the first area 1401 are determined. By taking the autocorrelation, the repetition period of the first area is determined, but it is necessary to determine the position of the first area and the size of the first area.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a method of determining the position of the first region.

  Since the repetition period of the first area is determined in advance, an area corresponding to an arbitrary repetition period is cut out from the relative coordinate list storage unit 1706. Then, the correlation is repeated in the area adjacent to the area, and the correlation is further determined in the adjacent area. Among them, the first region 2502 has a high correlation because the same data appears in a repetition cycle. In the other second region 2503, the same data does not appear in the repetition period, so the correlation is low. Using this characteristic, the start position of the highly correlated part is specified as the start position of the first area, and the size up to the end of the highly correlated part is determined as the size of the first area.

(Decoding of the first area)
The data of the first area is decoded from the position and size of the first area specified by the above processing.

  Decoding only the data in a single area may cause misjudgment due to measurement errors and noise, so the positions of dots embedded in all the first areas are aggregated and the mode is adopted And the occurrence probability of the value is calculated.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining the aggregation of the positions of dots embedded in the first area.

  In FIG. 26, reference numerals 2601 to 2603 denote first areas existing at different positions on the sheet. The result of superimposing these is 2604. Although there are deviations due to noise and errors, this value can be adopted because the mode value is determined by the total result of all regions.

  Next, actual decoding is performed. Since the influence of noise and measurement error cannot be wiped out at this stage, the decoding result is subjected to error correction processing for decoding.

  First, a dot position is detected from the dot pattern shown in FIG. 16, converted into data corresponding to the position, and a data string embedded in the first area is extracted. In addition to the copy-inhibited data that is actually used, an error correction code that detects data corruption and repairs it if possible is recorded in this data string at the time of embedding.

  Although many error correction codes are known as known techniques, an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) method is used here. LDPC is known for its very high error correction capability and a characteristic close to the Shannon limit. A detailed description of LDPC will be omitted. Further, any system other than LDPC may be used as long as it has a characteristic of error correction code.

  By using an error correction code, it is possible to extract embedded data even if the extracted grid includes a certain amount of error or noise.

  Further, as described in the correction of the rotation angle, the correction process of the rotation angle is performed in units of 90 degrees, so that the data extracted here is correct data, whether the correct data is rotated 90 degrees, or rotated 180 degrees. There are four types, either 270 degrees or 270 degrees. Therefore, the extracted data is decoded by performing error correction by LDPC with respect to the results of no rotation, 90 ° rotation, 180 ° rotation, and 270 ° rotation, respectively. Only when the rotation angle is correct, the error correction code functions and data can be extracted normally.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a decoding process in which error correction is performed in consideration of rotation.

  In FIG. 27, in this example, it is assumed that a result of 270 degrees rotation with respect to correct data is extracted. In 2701, error correction processing is performed on the extracted data as it is. The correct data includes an error correction code, but it becomes meaningless data by rotating, and thus error correction cannot be performed. Next, in 2702, error correction processing is performed on the data obtained by rotating 90 ° with respect to 2701. Similarly, since error correction fails, data cannot be extracted. Next, in 2703, error correction processing is performed on the data that has been rotated 90 degrees with respect to 2702. Similarly, since error correction fails, data cannot be extracted. Finally, in 2704, error correction processing is performed on the data that has been rotated 90 degrees with respect to 2703. Since this is correct data, it can be adopted as extracted data because error correction processing is successful.

  Even if 2704 fails in error correction processing, it is considered that data extraction has failed due to many errors and noise.

  The embedded data stored in the first area can be extracted by the above processing.

(Identification of second area)
The second area is an area used for registering tracking information and the like, and is not necessarily necessary information when performing a copying operation. Therefore, when it is unnecessary, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the overall processing speed by omitting the decoding of the second area.

  A method for specifying the second region will be described below.

  First, as in the first region, the autocorrelation of the second region is taken. Since the second area is embedded with a multiple of the first area's repetitive synchronization, autocorrelation is performed in one of multiples of the first area's repetition count (24, 48, 72,... In the example). Therefore, the calculation can be omitted. Further, the second area has repeated synchronization = the size of the second area.

  FIG. 28 is a graph illustrating an example in which an autocorrelation value corresponding to the offset value in the second region is calculated.

  Finally, the start position of the second area is specified. Since the start position of the first area and the start position of the second area are synchronized when embedding, the position can be narrowed down to one of the start positions of the first area.

  An error correction code is used to determine the position of the second region. Similar to the first region, an error correction code is added to the second region in addition to the embedded data. Since the size of the second area is known, the error correction process is executed in order starting from the first position of the first area.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a method of specifying the position of the second region.

  In FIG. 29, the autocorrelation indicates that the size of the second area is four times the repeated synchronization of the first area. Here, since any of 4 × 4 = 16 is the start position of the second region, the error correction process is applied while shifting the position from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. When the error correction process is successful, the position can be adopted as the second area.

  As described above, the embedded data stored in the second area can be extracted.

<Other Examples>
A processing method for storing a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment in a recording medium, reading the program stored in the recording medium as a code, and executing the program on a computer is also included in the category of the above-described embodiment. In addition to the computer-readable recording medium storing the above-described program, the program itself is included in the above-described embodiment. Examples of such a recording medium include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM. In addition, the processing is not limited to the single program stored in the recording medium described above, but operates on the OS in cooperation with other software and the function of the expansion board to execute the operation of the above-described embodiment. This is also included in the category of the embodiment described above.

  As another program supply method, there is a method of downloading a program or a compressed file including an automatic installation function from a homepage on the Internet to a recording medium such as a hard disk using a browser of a client computer. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the above-described program is encrypted, stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to the user, and the user who clears the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the Internet. Next, the program encrypted using the key information can be executed and installed in the computer.

It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the system which can apply this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example in case a client PC produces | generates the background image for print output. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of embedded printing processing in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when a printing apparatus generates a background image for print output. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of embedded printing processing in the configuration shown in FIG. 4. It is a figure which shows the specific content of embedding information. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of merge processing of embedding information. It is a figure which shows the structural example in the case of performing the copy process of the paper surface with which the embedding information was embedded. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of copy processing in the configuration shown in FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows the structural example in the case of performing the electronic copy process of the paper surface with which the embedding information was embedded. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of electronic copy processing in the configuration shown in FIG. 10. It is a figure which shows an example of the original document with which LVBC was embedded. It is a figure which shows the characteristic of the embedding information embedded in a 1st area | region and a 2nd area | region. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a 1st area | region and a 2nd area | region. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a grid and the place which arrange | positions a dot. It is a figure which shows the example which embedded 010111110011 of binary data as embedding information. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the embedded information analysis part 1701 which analyzes LVBC. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining dot detection by a dot detection unit 1702; FIG. It is a figure which shows the graph for demonstrating halftone removal. It is the schematic diagram explaining the method of measuring the space | interval of a grid. It is a figure which shows an example of the histogram which showed the frequency of the distance between grids. It is a figure explaining correction | amendment of the rotation angle of a grid. It is a figure explaining the correction result of rotation, and a grid position. It is a graph which shows the example which calculated the autocorrelation value corresponding to an offset value. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination method of the position of a 1st area | region. It is a mimetic diagram for explaining tabulation of the 1st field. It is a figure for demonstrating the decoding process which considered the rotation and performed error correction. It is a graph which shows the example which calculated the autocorrelation value corresponding to the offset value in the 2nd field. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to determine the position of a 2nd area | region.

Explanation of symbols

111, 112 Client PC
121 Print Server 131, 132 Printing Device 201 Print Data Generation Unit 202 Embedding Information Control Unit 203 Embedding Information Merging Unit 204 Background Image Data Generation Unit 205 Background Image Data Synthesis Unit 206 Print Image Generation Unit 401 Print Data Generation Unit 402 Print Image Generation means 403 Embedding information control means 404 Embedding information merge means 405 Background image data generation means 406 Background image data synthesis means

Claims (4)

In a printing apparatus that generates data for printing N pages of print data on one sheet,
Means for acquiring each embedded information including N-up designation associated with each page in the print data;
Means for analyzing each acquired embedded information and determining whether N is 2 or more in the N-up designation;
Means for integrating embedding information associated with each of N pages printed on the one sheet when N is determined to be 2 or more in the N-up designation;
The first and second regions are configured by a plurality of second regions periodically arranged on the entire print region of the sheet and a plurality of first regions periodically arranged in the second region. Each of which is a code image in which information is encoded by the positions of dots arranged offset from the intersections of virtual grids, and the information embedded in the first area must be extracted in real time during copying The information embedded in the second area is information that does not need to be extracted in real time during copying, and the amount of information embedded in the first area is greater than the amount of information embedded in the second area. Means for generating a code image using the integrated embedded information,
A printing apparatus comprising: means for combining the generated code image with data for printing the N pages for one sheet. In a printing method for generating data for printing N pages of print data on one sheet,
Obtaining each embedding information including N-up designation associated with each page in the print data;
Analyzing each acquired embedding information and determining whether N is 2 or more in the N-up designation;
A step of integrating embedding information associated with each of N pages printed on the one sheet when N is determined to be 2 or more in the N-up designation;
The first and second regions are configured by a plurality of second regions periodically arranged on the entire print region of the sheet and a plurality of first regions periodically arranged in the second region. Each of which is a code image in which information is encoded by the positions of dots arranged offset from the intersections of virtual grids, and the information embedded in the first area must be extracted in real time during copying The information embedded in the second area is information that does not need to be extracted in real time during copying, and the amount of information embedded in the first area is greater than the amount of information embedded in the second area. Generating a code image using the integrated embedding information,
Synthesizing the generated code image with data for printing the N pages for one sheet. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 2 . A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 2 .

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